Last Updated on April 6, 2023
I swear everything in Japan is better. They even elevated the art of pancakes into an art form. Here’s a guide on where to eat fluffy Japanese pancakes. Did your favorite place make it to my list?
What are Japanese Pancakes?
If you want to try and make them for yourselves, my favorite recipe comes from Nami of “Just One Cookbook“.
It’s all bout the eggs with these pancakes. Japanese fluffy pancakes are made with egg whites that have been whipped until stiff peaks (like making a meringue) and then carefully added to the rest of the mix. They take about 20 minutes to make, but they are well worth it. These soft and pillowy-like texture pancakes are perfect to have with some fresh cream and berries. A breakfast to savor and not to eat quickly.
Fluffy Japanese Pancakes Locations
A Happy Pancake
This is my all-time favorite location. I have taken people here for birthdays, ladies’ brunch events, and even some special dates. There are two “A Happy Pancake” locations near me. One is in Yokohama and the other one is in Kamakura. I frequent the establishment in Kamakura. I would take the JR train to Kamakura Station, a window shop on Kamakura Komachi-dori Street, and enjoy a wonderful breakfast set. They do offer menus in English and in Japanese. Their triple-berry set is my personal favorite.
How to Get There
| Happy Pancake: Kamakura | Less than a 5-minute walk from the Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line |
| Happy Pancake: Yokohama | Less than a 5-minute walk from the Motomachi-Chūkagai Station on the Minatomirai Line |
| Happy Pancake: Hiroshima | A 5-minute walk from Tachi-Cho Station on the Hiroshima Dentsu Line |
| Happy Pancake: Sapporo | Less than a 5-minute walk from Odori Station. The restaurant is on the 2nd floor |
Restaurant Features
| Business Hours | Monday-Friday: 10:00 am-7:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 am-7:30 pm |
| Payment | Major Credit Cards and Yen Accepted |
| Dine-In | Yes |
| Take Out | No |
Hoshino Coffee
Hoshino Coffee is a great place for a Saturday morning brunch. I took my neighbor out one Saturday morning, while the Dads and kids stayed home. The pancakes are served after 11 am, but we didn’t mind. Their coffee was delicious to enjoy. They even have a kid’s menu. What are you going to order? Chocolate-covered pancakes anyone?
They used to be a yen-only establishment, but now they accept some credit cards. There are no English menus, but their menus have lots of photographs so “pointing/gesturing” can help get your order across.
How to get there
There are so many Hoshino Coffee locations across Japan, but I am going to recommend one that offers free parking for those that prefer to drive. An establishment that offers free parking has been a rarity in Japan.
Hoshino Coffee Yokosuka shop
Address: 1 Chome-7-12 Sahara, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 239-0835
Restaurant Features
| Business Hours | Monday-Friday: 9:00 am-9:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 am-9:00 pm |
| Payment | Credit Cards and Yen Accepted |
| Dine-In | Yes |
| Take Out | No |
3 Stars Pancake
Don’t let the name of this restaurant fool you. This place deserves 5 stars for its stellar pancakes. Their seasonal menus are super popular, especially their sweet potato pancakes, melon soda, and matcha Montblanc pancakes. The plating for every dish is gorgeous, so don’t forget your camera. Since there is limited seating (about 22 seats in total), there will be a wait, so arrive early. If you love having a sweet breakfast, this place is for you.
How to get there
Address: 128-1 Ichinotsubo Nakahara-ku Kawasaki Kanagawa
| Train | Less than a 5-minute walk from the Musashi-Kosugi Station on the JR East lines. There is no parking lots available near the cafe. |
Restaurant Features
| Business Hours | 1000 am-6:00 pm; Closed on Mondays |
| Payment | Only Yen Accepted |
| Dine-In | Yes |
| Take Out | No |
Rainbow Pancake Harajuku
This place will always be a special memory for me. This is where my husband surprised me on a day date and I love exploring Harajuku. The restaurant is very small, with maybe a few tables at most. On their menu, the strawberry-decorated fluffy pancake was so beautiful to look at and delicious to eat. We view the kitchen from our seats and see all the whipping action needed to make every single pancake order.
How to get there
Address: 4-28-4 Jingumae, Shibuya 150-0001 Tokyo Prefecture
| Train | A 10-minute walk from Harajuku Station on the Yamanote Line |
Restaurant Features
| Business Hours | Thursday-Monday: 11:00 am-6:00 pm; Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays |
| Payment | Credit Cards and Yen Accepted |
| Dine-In | Yes |
| Take Out | No |
Need more Breakfast Options in Japan?
